TV Remains Top News Source for Americans, Pew Survey Finds
A recent Pew Research Center survey reveals that television remains a primary news source for many Americans. This enduring popularity is reflected in the history and evolution of broadcasting, from its agricultural roots to the digital age.
Broadcasting, originally an agricultural term dating back to the 1700s, was first applied to radio in the early 1920s. Frank Conrad's broadcast of the 1920 U.S. presidential election results marked a significant milestone. The term 'broadcasting' itself likely originated from Reginald Aubrey Fessenden's 1906 radio broadcast from Brant Rock, Massachusetts.
Radio became the dominant broadcast medium in the 1950s, with television surpassing it in the same decade. The Communications Act of 1934 defined broadcasting as the dissemination of radio communications intended for public reception. Today, broadcast television and radio continue to serve as key sources of information, entertainment, connection, and emergency warnings in the digital age.
Political pressure has impacted broadcasting. In 2017, President Trump successfully pressured Congress to rescind $1.1 billion in funding for NPR and PBS. Earlier this year, ABC temporarily removed Jimmy Kimmel from the air due to Trump administration pressure. Meanwhile, CBS announced the cancellation of The Late Show with Stephen Colbert this summer. The Public Broadcasting Act of 1967 established the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, leading to the creation of NPR and PBS.
The Pew Research Center's findings underscore the enduring relevance of broadcast media in the digital age. Despite political pressures and format changes, broadcasting continues to evolve, reflecting its deep-rooted history and vital role in society.
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